In a major push towards harnessing the waterways of Nagaland for economic development, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, announced significant initiatives during a Stakeholder’s Conference held here today. The Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio, joined Sonowal to declare the development of the Tizu Zunki River (National Waterways 101) and the Doyang River Lake to enhance cargo, passenger transport, and tourism.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and the Nagaland Department of Transportation will conduct a detailed feasibility study for the Tizu Zunki River to enable navigation. IWAI will also provide technical assistance to develop NW 101 for navigation, aiming to augment inter-regional connectivity in the Northeast through waterways. “Waterways is the most economical, sustainable, and efficient mode of transportation,” said Sonowal, emphasizing the region’s potential as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.In Kolkata, this initiative is seen as a significant opportunity for enhanced trade and connectivity. The integration of Nagaland’s waterways with broader national and international trade routes, including the Irrawaddy River flowing into the Andaman Sea, promises to streamline cargo movement from the Northeast to international markets, benefiting Kolkata’s bustling trade ecosystem.
The conference saw the participation of key officials, including Nagaland’s Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton and Tourism Minister Temjen Imna Along, among others. Both Rio and Sonowal urged the youth to train in maritime skills at the Maritime Skill Development Centre to seize employment opportunities in the marine sector.These developments, coupled with community jetties and Ro Pax ferries on Doyang River Lake, are set to boost Nagaland’s tourism potential and economic growth significantly. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways is also working on multiple projects, including the Kaladaan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, to enhance the region’s connectivity and trade capabilities.
